Chapter 22-- Review of Yr 3 Sem2

Once again, it is time for the review of last semester after the exams...

LSM3221--Human Pharmacology

Highlight of this module must be Dr Bian parts because he was so damn hilarious. Perhaps what make him so endearing is that his sense of humor is really an intrinsic part of him(his accent, his actions) unlike some other ppl( think He who must not be name) who have to come out with lame jokes and still think its funny.But then again, maybe I enjoy his lectures partly also because half of what he covered was also taught in my physiology lectures( with the exception of the pharmacology of drugs of cse) and that's why I found it easier to follow his series of lectures. The part on pharmacokinetics taught by A/P Lee was also relatively easy since she did gave us an introduction and overiew of pharmacokinetics during her previous lectures in LSM3211-Fundamental Pharmacology last semester. The most challenging part of this module thus have to come from Dr Gawin series of lectures on neurotransitters and the pharmacology of the nervous system including anti-depression and anti-psychotics drugs. I have to admit that I am not really into neuroscience and perhaps that why I found it quite tough to understand some of the concepts and principles. I do have so much respect for the group of people studying brain and its functions and physiology etc because the brain IMO is an organ that is indeed very complicated but fascinating which properly explains why we still know so little about this organ despite advances in medical researches. Anyway, the final exam which also happens to be my last paper was relatively manageable so I must say that it does provide a wonderful closure for my exams this semester. Not only that, it was also one of the super rare LSM paper( just the 2nd one in fact following LSM2104) whereby we actually get to keep the question paper for memory sake!

Lsm3214--Human Physiology, Hormones and Health

This module was essential a "sister" module of LSM3221 because they are so intrinsically linked. Physiology as mentioned in my previous post is one of my favourite area of study and therefore it may not be surprising that I took a 2nd physiology module this semester despite last semester "horrific" experience with LSM3212. For this module however, the emphasis is now on hormones(quite obvious), reproductive physiology, renal physiology and gastrointestinal physiology(GIT). The parts on reproductive and renal physiology are relatively easy to understand but the part on gastrointestinal physiology is more difficult. In fact, it was precisely GIT that really got me during the final exam although I can say that I breeze through the other 2 parts. It can also consider to be a paradox for me because despite studying 3 nutrition modules in addition to this module, I can still tell you that I still could not have a firm grasp of GIT...Hmm perhaps it will always remain a grey area for me.

LSM3223--Immunology

Ah.. this module have been targeted by me since last semester and it is really after studying about nutrition and pharmacology that get me so interested in wanted to study immunology. Glad that I make the choice to study it because I totally fall in love with this area of medical science. Initially however, I found immunology to be difficult to understand because the concepts taught during lectures seems to be all over the place. Nevertheless, it was studying for the CA that I discovered my passion for this subject. All of a sudden, the pieces that seems all over the place now fit very nicely into a picture. In addition, I must really give credit to my TA Peiying who is currently a PhD student herself for making the practicals such an enjoyable experience. Usually, during LSM practicals, my mind would be in a blank as I just followed through the protocols blindly( especially when it is a long practical that lasts 4 hrs or more). However, not once during the immunology practicals are my mind not working to try to understanding the rationals and settings of the experiments. For the lectures, I really enjoyed A/P Gan lectures as I found her explanations of concepts really clear and precise. It was certainly not easy for her also becuase she was pregnant and have to sit down for most part of the lectures.

LSM3242--Applied Microbiology

Took this module because of my previous good experience with microbiology last semsester but I must say that this module was indeed more "abstract" than basic microbiology since the focus is on the applications of micobes to benefit human and there is no one single textbook that can really explain fully which is "sadly" supposed to be the case. Did quite badly for the CA althought the final exam was relatively more manageable. Have to cross my fingers that I could at least score a B for this module or I would really be screw.

ES2007S-- The Science of effective communications in the workplace

Perhaps it has to be one of the most useful and practical module that I have taken up to date because we were taught how to write resumes, prepare for job interviews and oral presentations as well as writing minutes and business correspondents in addition to improving our interpersonal communications skills. The most stressful part of this module has got to be the survey project and oral presentations which have to be completed within a relatively short period of time. Nevertheless, I have form some good relations with my project mates and are happy to learn from some of them. We always have fun time together while working for the project and presentation and I must say that they are some of the best people that I have work with in my life(thanks Song Kun, Zhi Hui and Vanessa!). Was really inspired by them when I read through their resumes because I never thought that the rest of my group members were such high achievers not only in academic studies but also in life. Reading their outstanding resumes make me realise that I must indeed work harder in order not to be left behind. The lecturer Ms Chew is also quite an animated person and makes the lessons interesting most of the time.

Regards,
Yongster

Many more good years ahead!